8.2 million vapes are now thrown away or recycled incorrectly every week, according to new research by Material Focus.
The research found that 13.5 million vapes are being purchased per week – a 37% increase on the 9.9 million being brought per week in 2023.
Material Focus said the increase is being fuelled by new product designs that attempt to evade the upcoming ban on the sale of single-use vapes.
The research found that three million of these new types of vapes, which Material Focus calls “big puffs”, are now being brought per week, compared to 5.3 million single-use vapes.
“Big puff” vapes can hold up to 6,000 puffs per product, with single-use vapes averaging 600, Material Focus said.
The research, commissioned by Material Focus and conducted by Opinium, found young people are more likely to buy this new style of vape – 48% of 16 to 34-year-olds compared to 36% of 35 to 55-year-olds.
Scott Butler, Executive Director, Material Focus commented: “Vape producers are being infinitely creative with their products in order to avoid the forthcoming disposable vape ban.
“Whilst the current ban will take some of the most environmentally wasteful products off the market, we might need more flexible legislation to deal with the ongoing challenges of the new products surging onto the market.”
Positively, the research found more people are recycling their single-use vapes in store: 20% in 2024 compared to 8% last year.
However, 77% of UK vapers feel there is not enough information on how to recycle vapes.
Butler continued: “It should be as easy to recycle a vape as it is to buy one. We want more vapers demanding that where they buy them provide recycling points as it is a legal obligation for all those who sell vapes to provide this after all.
“Vapes, like any other electrical with a plug, battery or cable, should never be binned and always be recycled as a minimum. The UK needs more accessible recycling drop-off points in stores, in parks, in public spaces near offices, bars and pubs, and in schools, colleges and universities.“
